The serene environment of Eket was over the weekend ignited following the convergence of hundreds of thousands of PDP faithful from all over Akwa Ibom State in celebration of the outstanding performances of Governor Udom Emmanuel in barely seven months in office.

The event, which was a reception in honour of the Governor by Eket Senatorial District, coincided with the annual youth day carnival of the district.

Leaders of the district, amidst colourful traditional dance troupes, women groups, eminent youths, the royal fathers and entertainment professionals used the occasion to express their admiration and support for Governor Emmanuel in his avowed determination to impact on the lives of the people.

Setting the tone, the Chairman on the occasion and leader of Eket Senatorial District, Chief Nduese Essien, said the people were proud of the achievements and excellent manner their son was piloting the affairs of the state, despite the economic realities.

Essien thanked the entire state for their support, and maintained that no matter the discordant tunes from few self-seeking politicians, no one can stop Akwa Ibom people from queuing behind their governor at all times.

The former lawmaker called on President Muhammadu Buhari to allow an indigene of the state to complete the four-year tenure of Managing Director allotted to it by the statutes of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He said that the injustice of replacing Dan Abia from Akwa Ibom with Ibim Semenitari from Rivers was not acceptable in a state which accounts for the highest revenue accrued to the country from oil exploration and exploitation.

On his part, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga frowned at the recent Appeal Court judgement that nullified Emmanuel’s election as Governor, declaring that it is at variance with the will of the people of the state.

He said that after the political judgement comes divine judgement, and that the divine judgement will only favour the Governor Emmanuel because he has the divine mandate in line with justice and equity.

The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Barr Onofiok Luke, dismissed any threat to the governorship seat being occupied by Gov Emmanuel, and said that Uyo and Ikot Ekpene will support the Governor to complete his tenure of eight years.

The Speaker maintained that justice cannot be overlooked for a zone that has never occupied the office of chief executive of the state previously, especially when that zone produces the bulk of resources used in developing the country and the state.

Responding, Governor Emmanuel commended the people of the state for their support and solidarity to his leadership and promised to continue providing empowerment opportunities for the people.

While thanking the Eket Senatorial District for the reception in his honour, the Governor warned that the peaceful disposition of the Akwa Ibom people should not be misinterpreted by other Nigerians who are meddling into the affairs for selfish gains. He made a case for the reappointment of an Akwa Ibom indigene as Managing Director of NDDC.

Goodwill messages were received from the national assembly members and stakeholders from across the state in solidarity with the Governor. Lady Valerie Ebe, Senator Anietie Okon, Engr. Sam Inyang, Mrs Owoidighe Ekpoattai, Mrs Akon Eyakenyie and Dr. Esiokwong Udoh, among others, pledged the support of their people to the Governor under whatever circumstance.

Mr Ephraim Inyang, who was the chairman of the organising committee of the ceremony, was full of appreciation large turnout, insisting that it was a tradition for outstanding sons to be received and honoured for making the district proud.

•Photo shows Governor Udom Emmanuel walking in the midst of his supporters and acknowledging cheers . . . over the weekend in Eket.